New Delhi: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) rescued more than 3,800 children engaged in child labour during a special nationwide campaign launched to combat child labour, trafficking and exploitation.
The campaign, titled “Pan-India Rescue and Rehabilitation”, was conducted from June 12 to August 31, 2026, in coordination with state governments, Union Territory administrations, district magistrates, labour departments, police and other stakeholders.
During the drive, NCPCR directed authorities to intensify targeted rescue operations at identified child labour and trafficking hotspots. States and UTs were also asked to regularly report details of children rescued, FIRs registered, rehabilitation measures, restoration, educational mainstreaming and compensation.
The child rights body held meetings with district administrations to monitor the implementation of the campaign and address operational challenges. The meetings also focused on timely submission of action-taken reports and improving coordination among various departments and agencies.
NCPCR also undertook awareness and outreach activities through social media and other communication platforms, highlighting mechanisms for reporting child labour and stressing the importance of rehabilitation and bringing rescued children back into the education system.
According to NCPCR, sustained monitoring and coordination with state authorities resulted in the rescue of over 3,800 children during the campaign. More than 575 FIRs were also registered in connection with cases identified during the drive.
The campaign was aimed not only at rescuing children from exploitative work but also at ensuring their rehabilitation, protection and reintegration into education and mainstream society.
